From powered vessels like narrowboats and barges, to unpowered craft like canoes and paddleboards, you'll need a license if you want to keep and use them on our canals and rivers.
What types of boats need a licence on canals and rivers?
All types and sizes of boats with or without a motor need a licence. Motorised boats include riverboats, canal boats and houseboats.
All portable, unpowered craft (those without motors), such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft, also require licensing. Further information on unpowered craft can be found in our paddle sports section.
Before you purchase a licence
Please note that the licences we offer are only valid for the Canal & River Trust network, with the exception of the gold licence.
Before you purchase anything, check whether you'll be boating along any of our 96 canals and navigable rivers through our interactive map.
What type of boat licence do I need?
First of all, you need to decide whether you need a business or private licence.
If you use your boat for any kind of business, such as a floating café or shop, rent it out for people to live on, or use it as a holiday boat, you'll need a business licence.
If the boat is purely for your own private use, there are three choices for a private boat licence.
Long-term boat licences
You can buy your long-term licence at any time of the year. They start on the first day of the month and last for either three months, six months or 12 months.
Please be aware that you can only buy a three-month licence if you have a home mooring.
More information about what a long-term boat licence includes, costs, and how to buy or renew one
Short-term visitor licences
These licences are for small, unpowered or trailed boats and larger boats visiting our waterways for a short time from other navigations or coastal waters. You can buy a short-term licence at any point of the year. They're valid for one week or one month.
Our 30-day 'explorers' visitor licence gives you up to 30 days' use, which you can use at any time within 12 months of issue. The days do not need to be consecutive.
Gold licences
If you have boat with a motor (including river boats and canal boats) and regularly use both our waterways and those owned by the Environment Agency (EA), you can save money on your boat licence by having a combined gold licence.
All gold licences run from 1 January and expire on 31 December.
If you have not previously held a gold licence, you may be eligible for a part-year licence.
More information gold licences, costs, and how to buy or renew one
Please read our terms & conditions for further information regarding all of our private licence options.
Can I calculate my boat licence fee?
Yes, you can use our online calculator to find your licence price
Boating elsewhere?
Different navigation authorities have different licences and fees. If you're not boating on our network, you'll need to contact the relevant authority:
More information on boat licensing
Each year, the National Boating Team pulls together key updates, insights, and information we believe matter most to you as a boating customer
Last Edited: 25 August 2026
